Cerebral palsy is a disorder that impairs a child’s ability to balance, move, and maintain good posture. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in every 345 children is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, making it the most common motor disability among children.
A person can develop cerebral palsy after birth, or they can be born with it. The latter is known as congenital cerebral palsy (CP), and it is caused by brain damage that occurred before or during the birthing process. Most CP cases belong in the congenital category.
Several risk factors can contribute to congenital cerebral palsy. They include:
- Being born too small
- Being born too early
- Being born a twin
- Being conceived by in vitro fertilization or other assisted reproductive technology external icon
- Having a mother who had an infection during pregnancy
- Having kernicterus (a type of brain damage that can happen when severe newborn jaundice goes untreated)
- Having complications during birth
While 50% to 60% of children with cerebral palsy can walk independently, some will experience severe, lifelong effects from this disorder. They may require assistance from family and friends or special equipment for balancing and walking. Some people with CP may experience uncontrollable movements or will be unable to move freely without some sort of help. Beyond the physical assistance required when caring for a child with cerebral palsy, there is an undeniable economic consequence as well. Parents will pay 10 times more when caring for a child with CP, and they can expect to pay at least $1 million during their child’s life because of the additional care necessary for CP patients.
Sometimes, the development of CP cannot be prevented. It’s simply an unfortunate result of childbirth. However, there are many instances when medical staff can significantly impact whether a baby is born healthy or with cerebral palsy. Neglect in any of the following areas may result in a parent having a legitimate medical malpractice case against their healthcare provider(s).
- Detecting and diagnosing maternal infections
- Failing to conduct a C-section when necessary
- Prolonging the labor process
- Misusing medical tools
- Depriving the baby of oxygen during labor or neglecting to monitor the baby’s heartbeat
A stressful delivery process involving any of those medical mistakes can seem like a whirlwind. Then comes the painful reality that your beloved newborn has CP. After hearing that kind of diagnosis, you may feel helpless or even alone. Miller Stern Lawyers is available to help you get the financial compensation you deserve and need to care for your child properly.
If your child has been diagnosed with CP, you can contact Miller Stern Lawyers for a free consultation, during which their experienced staff will discuss your case and tell you about your options for filing a claim.
To learn more and to get in touch with someone who can help, visit Miller Stern Lawyers online today.